I usually advise writers that if they’re trying to reach Millennials or the young adult market, Instagram is a must because that’s where these demographics primarily hang out.

Now I have information that furthers my belief in my opinion.

The website Red published an infographic last year. (Yes, I know, it’s not up-to-date data, yet it’s still mind-blowing. Besides, data is often a year old when it’s reported.)

Okay, here we go:

Users share 70 million photos and videos every day.

Since the founders introduced Instagram to us, users have shared more than 30 billion images.

Users Like images 2.5 billion times daily.

There are 300 million monthly active users. (We know that number has ballooned.)

Here’s data that you’ll want to know if you want young adults and Millennials to read your books:

Here are some additional statistics:

20% of global internet users between the ages of 16 and 64 have an Instagram account. However, 50% of those users live in North America.

8% of Canadian users say that Instagram is among their top 10 social media networks.

47% of mobile users who access Instagram are in the United States.

Despite all of these statistics, the truth remains that the top photo sharing sites are Facebook and Snapchat, followed by Instagram:

Here are some tips on how to use Instagram:

Make sure that your images are of an excellent quality and not blurry.

Balance fun images with images about your books.

Use Instagram for your book launches.

Write engaging descriptions for your images.

Use hashtags.

Engage with your followers.

Don’t forget to leave comments on your followers’ posts.

Don’t post images that are irrelevant to your followers.

Don’t post too many times a day. Use a social media scheduling app to time your images.

Complete your profile so that your followers will know who you are.

Not on Instagram? I’ve Got You Covered

How to Join Instagram

Profile Image

Joining this network is easy. Sign up by navigating to Instagram.com on your PC, Mac, smartphone, or tablet. As with other social media websites, don’t use your book cover or image of your favorite pet as your avatar. Use the best picture of yourself that you have.

Username

When you select your username, use the name on the cover of your books. Build your brand around your author name, whether it’s your birth name, a name you predominantly use, or a pen name.

Bio

Complete your bio, which Instagram restricts to 150 characters, and add your author website address. Don’t forget to check the box next to Similar Account Suggestions so that Instagram will suggest additional users for you to follow.

As you’re out and about, visiting your favorite café where you write or taking a walk in the woods or a lovely path, snap images with your smartphone. Then, upload them directly to Instagram. Select a filter for your image if the image appears too dark or too bright, and post it.

Now this next step is what makes Instagram simple to use. As you post your image to Instagram, you can also post it to other accounts, including Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, and Flickr. While I don’t recommend syncing Twitter to Facebook or even Instagram to Twitter (unless you’re selective about what you post), linking Instagram to Facebook is seamless. The comment and hashtags you write for your Instagram post will integrate smoothly with your Facebook profile. This is how to connect your accounts: